The Barcelona youngster experienced disappointment when Spain lost to Portugal in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final. At 17, Yamal struggled throughout the match, often matched up against top defender Nuno Mendes. He was substituted off in the 105th minute by coach Luis de la Fuente, missing the opportunity to take part in the shootout.
Fans noticed Yamal’s visible frustration during Portugal’s trophy celebration. While the Spanish players applauded the winners, Yamal was seen walking away instead of joining the clapping. He left his teammates and headed down the tunnel, avoiding the photographers capturing the victorious moment.
This behavior caught the attention of social media users, some of whom criticized Yamal. Comments ranged from “That’s the Barca way” to jokes about him needing to go to school or being “grounded” by Mendes. Others labeled him a “little diva,” while some defended him as just a teenager, saying they might have reacted worse at his age. Another questioned why losing teams are expected to stay for the celebrations at all.
Meanwhile, Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly emotional, dropping to his knees after the final whistle. Ronaldo was also the focus of a provocative banner displayed by a fan, which surprised ITV commentators Seb Hutchinson and Andros Townsend.
Tragically, the final was marred by the death of a fan who fell from one of the stadium’s upper tiers.
